Welcome New Staff!
Many know the program staff who shoot hoops, paint pictures with, and kayak with participants, but the advancement team are the unsung heroes behind the scenes! The advancement team advances YC’s mission through marketing and communications, as well as fundraising in all its forms, including the annual fund, grant writing, and events. In October, the advancement team was excited to welcome two new staff members: Emma Kelley and Gloria Litwinowicz!
Emma serves as the Communications & Events Coordinator. She is responsible for communicating YC’s vital work, planning fundraising events, and helping advance the mission of Youth Challenge. Emma is a 2025 grad of Walsh University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Visual Communication Design. At Walsh, she was highly involved as a softball player, tour guide, and Secretary for two on-campus clubs. Emma was the Community Engagement Manager for Main Street Wadsworth for the last 1.5 years, where she gained extensive experience in marketing and events.
A lifelong Northeast Ohioan, Emma calls Broadview Heights home. In her free time, Emma can be found spending time with her family and friends, taking photos with her camera, playing softball and volleyball, reading a book, or cheering on the Guardians!
Gloria serves as the Annual Fund & Database Manager. She is responsible for managing YC’s data and coordinates the Annual Fund campaign, YC’s largest fundraiser. Gloria has more than 20 years of database management experience and loves a good Annual Fund campaign (including writing a note!) Fifteen of those years were at Achievement Centers for Children, where she helped increase their annual giving revenue exponentially. Gloria received her Bachelor’s Degree in Education and Mathematics from Lock Haven University in Pennsylvania and her Master’s Degree in Pastoral Ministry from Gannon University.
At Gannon, Gloria met her husband, Tom. They are residents of Seven Hills and have two adult children and four grandchildren who all live in the Cleveland area. In her free time, Gloria enjoys time with family and her dog (Tonks), gives back to her church, and has a Cleveland Guardians shirt for every day of the week.
YC is grateful to keep expanding our family, and to learn from Emma and Gloria’s experience and perspectives. If you see them around, feel free to stop by and say hi!
